American Gangster Season 2 Episode 7 Jeff Fort and the Blackstone Rangers

American Gangster is a true crime documentary series that chronicles the lives and crimes of some of America's most notorious gangsters. In season 2, episode 7 titled "Jeff Fort and the Blackstone Rangers", the show takes a look at the rise and fall of one of Chicago's most powerful and ruthless gangs - the Blackstone Rangers, and its leader, Jeff Fort.

The episode begins by introducing the audience to the Blackstone Rangers, a street gang that originated in Chicago's South Side in the 1960s. The gang's members were predominantly African-American, and they were known for their violent and criminal behavior. The episode describes how the gang was initially formed to protect its members from other street gangs and the police, but eventually grew in size and power, becoming one of the most notorious gangs in Chicago.

The episode then focuses on Jeff Fort, who became the leader of the Blackstone Rangers in the late 1960s. Fort was a charismatic figure who was able to command the loyalty of his followers through his persuasive speeches and forceful personality. He quickly transformed the Blackstone Rangers into a well-organized criminal enterprise, with his gang involved in activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.

The episode delves into Fort's personal life, describing how he grew up in poverty in Mississippi before moving to Chicago as a teenager. It also highlights the impact of the civil rights movement on Fort and his fellow gang members, with the Blackstone Rangers becoming increasingly politicized under his leadership. The episode shows how Fort used his political connections to gain influence in both the Black community and the Chicago government, building alliances with figures such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Mayor Richard J. Daley.

However, the episode also explores the darker side of Fort's leadership, including his involvement with international terrorist groups such as the Palestine Liberation Organization and his threats to blow up buildings in Chicago if his demands were not met. Fort's increasing paranoia and megalomania also contributed to his downfall, with the episode describing how he became increasingly erratic and violent towards both his enemies and his own gang members.

Overall, "Jeff Fort and the Blackstone Rangers" provides a fascinating insight into the world of gang culture in Chicago during the 1960s and 1970s, and the complex figure of Jeff Fort and his legacy. The episode provides a balanced perspective on Fort's life, highlighting both his charisma and leadership skills, as well as his involvement in criminal and violent activities. It also sheds light on the wider context of the civil rights movement and the political and social upheaval of the time, showing how these factors shaped the Blackstone Rangers and their leader.